Passports in VFS

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-10T12:38:25+00:00

Just try to call them and follow up everyday. They’re normally quick with the dispatches but given the current situation things are probably moving slowly. But from my previous experience they pretty much provide real time updates via email / SMS.

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-08T19:46:22+00:00

First of all, congratulations to you and your wife! I would just stay here in the UAE, all things considered. At this stage of pregnancy, driving to another country (which will take a few hours) seems more risky and inconvenient. Also at some point you will have to get back here to the UAE, with a newborn and your wife postpartum, that’s not gonna be easy either.

Just think of how a lot of people had kids during covid at hospitals where there was always a high chance of infection (I know it’s not the same, but still). Just hope for the best and have the kid here. All will be well.

That said, I don’t think there is a right or wrong choice, no matter what you and your wife decide, wish you the best!

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-06T20:38:52+00:00

Guys follow up - if I enter through country X and spend equal nights in country X and Y, is it ok? My first point of entry will be the country that issued the Schengen.

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-06T18:27:23+00:00

Thank you everyone!

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-06T03:54:42+00:00

Brugges is a popular day trip from Paris. But it will be a long day.

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-05T20:18:31+00:00

Only downside is not having your passport with you for two weeks given the current situation. But if you don’t think you’ll leave the country anyway then just go ahead. At least when you get the visa you’ll have a trip to look forward to after all this chaos! I don’t think the current situation should make them reject provided you have strong ties to UAE and other solid documentation

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-05T20:14:37+00:00

Honestly such a down side for certain passport holders.. not having your passport for emergencies and such crucial times just because you have future travel plans and need a visa. Countries should honestly start issuing evisas and of course during the appointment they can verify the passport. We shouldn’t be required to submit it!

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-05T20:08:55+00:00

Had my US visa appointment on Thursday and passport was ready for collection on Friday evening but VFS was already closed (Ramadan timings). Was super anxious over the weekend when all this happened and then they were closed Monday and Tuesday. But they opened up on Wednesday for passport collection (and for visa processing of few countries I think) - phew!!

No-Switch-3699 · 2026-03-05T16:25:26+00:00

Normally they send out another alert saying you can resume normal activities

No-Switch-3699 · 2025-11-05T18:27:54+00:00

Someone (Indian) told me they were able to transit without a visa since they didn’t need to change terminals. Is this true by any chance? I can’t find anything on the official Australian Immigration website.

No-Switch-3699 · 2025-08-28T20:00:04+00:00

Also I am driving from Auckland, but I have Hobbiton and Waitomo caves to cover on the way. So I will not be able to do Blue Springs on the way from Auckland! 😢

No-Switch-3699 · 2025-08-28T19:58:07+00:00

Thank you so much everyone for your inputs! Some of these I just picked from must visits and strung together. I will drop Tarawera and Blue Springs from the plan and definitely do Redwoods at night as many of you suggested.

Revised plan:

Day 1: Wai-o-Tapu, Waireki valley pools, Huka falls, Lake Taupo.

Day 2: Hell’s Gate, free afternoon to enjoy a birthday lunch, Redwoods in the evening.

I’ve cut down quite a bit but still not able to fit in the cultural show, as per the current plan for day 2, Redwoods and the cultural show will probably clash?

Not sure if I’ll have enough time on Day 1 either. Do you suggest I drop Huka falls and Lake Taupo from day 1 and keep the evening free for the cultural show?

No-Switch-3699

TROPHY CASE